Bridge over the Bosporus

The novel’s protagonist, a Hungarian brain researcher living in Germany, arrives at a crossroads: he loses his wife, and soon after his only son is claimed by a fatal, mysterious illness. He who thought himself to be wise doesn’t even know what his son has died of. What shall he do? How much can science that he has always firmly believed in come to his aid? How can he get closer to his soul if he has never paid attention to his emotions, passions, instincts? And most of all: how can he get in touch with his inner self without faith?

A painful journey of self-discovery awaits him, whose starting point is exotic and confounding Morocco. Tanger is the place where the process of mourning begins. It is here that our hero meets all those who introduce him to the road to spiritual peace and acceptance through the faith and wisdom of Islam.

On this inner journey, the scientist is not only discovering himself but he learns to accept a different culture and mentality as well. And with him we get to know Morocco, Asia Minor and Saudi Arabia better – places that are increasingly more significant in world affairs due to their political and religious importance, and thereby we get a glimpse of the world of Islam, inaccessible to most westerners.

We follow the protagonist on a pilgrimage to Mecca during which we hear the same voice of longing for peace. We come to realize that true faith, understanding, love, and the converging roads may become the sustaining force and the guarantee for a common renewal.